Citizens get chance to sound off on EMTA changes at hearing

If you go

Tonight's public hearing begins at 8 in the Bagnoni Council Chambers at City Hall, 626 State St.

Frequent bus rider and Erie resident Amy Comperatore is photographed at the intersection of West 7th and Peach Streets on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Comperatore has been a vocal critic of the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority's decision to move buses off State Street between 10th Street and Perry Square. KEVIN FLOWERS/ERIE TIMES-NEWS

Better late than never.

That's frequent bus rider Amy Comperatore's take on tonight's public hearing before Erie City Council about the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority's decision that removed buses off State Street between 10th Street and Perry Square.

Comperatore, 37, said that even though the changes went into effect June 8 -- and were made without giving the public a chance to weigh in beforehand -- she believes the hearing still has plenty of value for bus passengers upset about the switch.

"I think we can make some progress with this," said Comperatore, who rides EMTA buses nearly every day. Comperatore has lodged complaints with both the EMTA and city of Erie officials about the changes.

Mayor Joe Sinnott's administration has said the move was made to reduce congestion on that portion of State Street. Dennis Solensky, EMTA's executive director, has said Sinnott's administration asked for the changes.

"I do believe it's frustrating to have this (hearing) after the fact," Comperatore said. "But people need to be able to stand up and assert themselves and come forward with their issues about the buses."

Northbound buses now travel on Peach Street instead of State Street between West 10th Street and North Park Row. Southbound buses now travel on French Street between South Park Row and East 10th Street.

Many residents and EMTA riders, like Comperatore, were angered by the move, saying they fear the decision will hurt the elderly, disabled and downtown businesses.

Solensky said he will attend the public hearing and looks forward to hearing riders' concerns. Solensky said EMTA has received "10 or 11" complaints from residents since the route changes were made.

"I'm going largely to observe and answer any questions," Solensky said. "Anytime you make a move like this, you'll have mixed opinions. This is something City Council arranged and I'm certainly going to attend and participate."

Sinnott, though, does not plan to attend because he will be out of town.

Mayoral assistant Jill Beck said that either she or Fred Rush, the city's coordinator of community initiatives, will represent the Sinnott administration.

City Councilman David Brennan said he expects residents to "tell us what they think and how this decision has impacted their lives."

Brennan said public meetings should have been held on the issue before the bus route changes. Many City Council members were caught by surprise as well, he said.

"A lot of people just want to have their say, because they didn't get that before," Brennan said.